Quarterfinal-bound Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered their first loss of the 20th Asian Games, falling to host Japan, 67-89, to close the group stage of the women’s 5-on-5 basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Aichi International Arena.
The Philippines finished second in Group B with a 2-1 record, while Japan claimed the top spot after sweeping the pool phase.
Gilas Pilipinas’ slow start proved costly as it fell behind, 11-24, after the first quarter. The Filipinas kept pace with Japan over the final three quarters but could not overcome the early deficit, absorbing their first loss of the tournament heading into the quarterfinals.
Elizabeth Means led Gilas Pilipinas with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Afril Bernardino added 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Janine Pontejos contributed 11 points on three three-pointers, while Stefanie Berberabe chipped in nine points and five assists. Camille Malagar, meanwhile, finished with eight points and four rebounds in the loss.
For Japan, Miyu Okamoto and Ami Tsuneta led the way with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Mona Tateyama added 12 points, while Takako Sato contributed 11.
The quarterfinals will begin on Saturday at the same venue.
The Scores:
Japan 89 – Okamoto 19, Tsuneta 18, Tateyama 12, Sato 11, Miura 8, Akagi 7, Santa 4, Tanaka 4, Higuchi 3, Owaki 3, Shiraishi 0, Awatani 0
Philippines 67 – Means 16, Bernardino 13, Pontejos 11, Berberabe 9, Malagar 8, Yam 6, Pastrana 4, Surada 0, Del Carmen 0, Joson 0, Pingol 0
Quarterscores: 24-11, 52-32, 68-50, 89-67
